Pablita Velarde Painting of a Deer Dancer

This representation of the ancient Pueblo Deer Dance was painted by Santa Clara artist Pablita Velarde. A fairly typical style for Velarde, the painting features a lone figure who is likely part of a greater group of deer dancers. By focusing on one participant in particular, Velarde offers the viewer a glimpse into the intricacy and elaborateness of the costumes of the dancers. The dancer wears antlers, celebrating the deer local to Santa Clara Pueblo. Velarde also added leaves, feathers, jewelry, and many more design elements which make up the dancer's regalia.

Rich in color and detail, the painting was made using Velarde's handmade mineral earth paints. This is a medium she commonly used, and as evidenced by her incredible volume of beautiful work, one she became a profound expert in. The original wide wood frame is also a usual style for Velarde, one she preferred to house her paintings of ceremonial dancers.

The ceremonial dances are a long-held tradition amongst the Pueblo peoples. Each dance is an act of prayer, gratitude, and honor of Mother Nature and Her gifts.

The painting is signed Pablita Velarde in lower right. Santa Clara Pueblo Deer Dancer is written in pencil on the back of the frame.

Pablita Velarde (1918-2006) Tse Tsan - Golden Dawn was an innovative and influential artist from Santa Clara Pueblo. Velarde was among the first full-time female students in Dorothy Dunn's art class at the Santa Fe Indian School, where she studied alongside Tonita Peña. These two women are regarded as the first Native American women to support themselves as painters, but it's not just because of this that they are remembered so fondly. It's because of the quality of their works that they have remained so visible in the many years since they have passed. Velarde passed away in 2006.

Condition: excellent

Provenance: this Pablita Velarde Painting of a Deer Dancer is from a private collection

Recommended Reading: Changing Woman: The Life and Art of Helen Hardin by Jay Scott

TAGS: Native American Paintings, Santa Clara Pueblo, Tonita Peña, watercolor, Helen Hardin, Navajo Nation, Pablita Velarde